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By Risidra Mendis
Thesounds of the koha bird is the first signthat yet another Sinhala and Hindu New Yearis round the corner. Tradition has it thatthe koha is the bird that heralds the NewYear.
The dawnof the Sinhala and Hindu New Year is said tobring hope, prosperity and most importantlypeace to the country. Astrologically, theAluth Avurudda marks the commencement of thesolar year, with the sun moving from Pisces(Meena Rashiya) to Aries (Mesha Rashiya).The transition time known as Sanskranthitakes place on April 13 or 14. It is duringthis period that traditional rituals areperformed to mark this important event ofthe year.
Beforethe commencement of the Aluth Avurudda, itis customary for every housewife to give anew look to her house. The house is cleanedby removing cobwebs, dust and soot. Thefloor, if not cemented, is given a freshapplication of cow dung mixed with earth.
Firewoodis collected and stocked beforehand for thepreparation of sweetmeats, such as kevum,kokis, athiraha, aggala, aluva and asmiamong others, three days prior to the NewYear. Money collected in tills is taken outto buy new clothes for the family,especially children, and to purchaseprovisions for the occasion.
Beginning of the New Year
However,unlike the Western celebration of the NewYear at midnight on December 31, the SriLankan New Year begins at a time determinedby astrological signs. Also unlike Westerntraditions, the ending of the old year andthe beginning of the New Year occur severalhours apart from one another which are alsodetermined by astrologers.
Thisperiod is referred to as the nonagathe(neutral period) and Sri Lankans accordingto customs are encouraged to refrain frommaterial pursuits and engage solely inreligious activities and traditional gamesduring this time.
Ritualsconnected with the Aluth Avurudda commencewith bathing on the last day of the old year( paranaavurudda) and viewing the moon on the samenight. In the village the melodious soundsof the temple bell accompanied by thebeating of drums (hewisi) inform the peopleof the auspicious times to perform thedifferent rituals.

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